Opinion | BJP May Have An Opportunity In Jharkhand
NDTV
With the announcement of poll dates in Jharkhand, political activity is ramping up. Both NDA and INDIA blocs are busy finalising seat arrangements. The JMM-led INDIA government hopes to retain power through sympathy for Hemant Soren following his arrest and the Maiyya Samman Yojana, which provides income support to women. Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA aims to capitalise on anti-incumbency sentiment and unfulfilled promises, such as unemployment allowances for youth and stove expense allowances for women.
In the 2024 general elections, the NDA was leading in 52 assembly segments (BJP 47, AJSU five), while the INDIA bloc was ahead in 29 seats (Congress 15, JMM 14). The simple majority mark is 41. While Lok Sabha elections are not always indicative of Vidhan Sabha outcomes, they provide a recent reference point since the last state elections were held five years ago.
The "Modi premium" that benefits the BJP in national elections tends to diminish at the state level, as observed in the past. Although the NDA won nine of the 14 Lok Sabha seats, it lost three seats compared to 2019, while the INDIA bloc captured five, sweeping all the ST-reserved seats.
